Suction cleaner



Jan. 13, 1942. D. B. REPLOGLE SUCTION CLEANER 2 Shts-Sheet 1 Filed May16, 1938 Jan. 13, 1942. D. B. REPLOGLE 2,269,482

SUCTION CLEANER Filed May 16, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 %wm//fm PatentedJan. 13, 1942 SUCTION CLEANER Daniel Benson Replegle, Berkeley, Calif.,assignor to The hio Citizens Trust Company, Toledo, V 02110, acorporation 0! 0h10, as trustee Application May 16, 1938, Sen-la! No.208,275

7 Claims.

The invention relates to suction cleanem and more particularly to acleaner of the portable electrically operated type which may beselectively employed for fluor cleaning purposes or for cleaning walls,ceilings, furniture and the like.

One of theobjects of my invention is to provide in such a cleaner aporous filtering element and a stii non-porous grooved receptacle forthe filtering element.

Another object of my invention is to provide a light weight cleaner ofattractive appearari and preferabht streamlined in cross section.

Another object is to provide an improved receptacle, housing or caddyfor the air filtering element of the cleaner so constructed as to permitair to fiow readily through the receptacle after having passed throughthe filtering element.

Another object is to pr0vid improved means whereby the dust contained inthe air entering the filtering element passes close by the hand andbefore the eyes of the operator.

Another object is to provide improved connections between the filtercarrying receptacle and the suction pipes with which the device isequipped.

A further object is to provide means whereby a vapor which may be agermicide, insecticide, deodorant or parfume may be supplied either tothe atmosphere or to a definite location through an attachment to thecleaner.

Another object is to provide an improved applicator hood for applyingthe vapor intensively at a desired location.

Other distinctive features characterizing the invention will be apparentfrom a conslderation of the accompanying drawings and the followingdetailed description in which are set forth for the purpose etillustration but not by way of limitation a specific embodiment of theinvention.

In the drawings:

v Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a portable suction cleaner provided witha corrugated bag holding receptacle, parts being broken away or shown insection to reveal the interior.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view showing the filtering bag, a portion of thebag receptacle and a portion of the suction pipe carried tl;ereby.

Fig. 3 is a detail view of the crownpiece or valve casing and hollowhandle grip attached thereto, these parts being shown. separated fromthe bag receptacle.

Fig. 4 is a detail end view showing an absorbont pad and via] of liquidassociated therewith Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the face plate of thecaddy or receptacle.

Fig. 6 15 a section on line 66 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a gasket to be inserted betWeen the face plateand the crown piece.

Fig. 8 is a plan view looking downwardly on the crown piece shown inFig. 3.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section of the transparent valve cap whichregulatcs the fiow of dust laden air into the dust bag.

Fig. 10 isa side elevation showing the cleaner supported in verticalposition from a wall bracket, the hollow handle grip being equipped withsuitable extension elements.

Fig. 11 is a plan view on a similar scale looking down on the cleaner ofFig. 1. v

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view showing the lower portion of thecleaner which is equipped with a hood for intensively applying vapors toa particular location.

Fig. 13 is a side view of the same.

Fig. 14 is a detail view on a smaller scale showing the hood itselfseparated from the cleaner. Fig. 15 is a section on line l5-l5 cf Fig.14.

Fig. 16 is a side elevation of a. slightly modified form of cleanersimilar to Fig. 1 except that the suction pipe leading from the fioortool is outside the bag receptacle instead of inside.

Fig. 17 is a section on line Illl of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a detail viewof one of the metal mounts'or end rings of the claner housing or caddy;

Referring now in detail to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1 and6 thereof, the reference numeral Il! denotes a receptacle, housing orcaddy for the filtering element 1 I. The receptacle is shown aselOngated in form, oval or streamlined in cross section and providedWith corrugations l2 herein shown as extending lengthwise thereof sothat the filtering element contacts th receptacle only at the ridges ofthe corrugatons, thus allowing air to pass immediately through thefiltering element and increasing its filtering efliciency. The ribs andgrooves formed 'by the corrugatons are shown as both external andinterna] since this represents the simplest mode of manufacture but theimportant feature is that the corrugations should be on the innersurface although the external corrugations also add to the uniquenessand attractiveness of the appearance of the device as a whole.

The receptacle may also be formed of any of the many types 01 plasticmaterials such as phenolic condensation pxducts or the like, or may beiormed of light weight metal, such as aluminum.

Non-metailic material is preferred, however, both on account of itslightness and because it is a non-conductor of electricity. Where thecaddy is formed of a fibrous sheet the entire weight of the caddy may beless than one-half pound while at the same time the structure possessesthe advantages oi necessary strength and resiliency. It will be obviousthat the corrugaticns, in addition to aiding the flltering operaticnaise add to the strength of the caddy. While the corrugaticns areillustrated as straight and 'parallel to the longitudinal axis of thecleaner, any embossments, chanriels, iurrows, wrinkles, sinuosities.convolutions, undulaticns, waves, bumps, reliefs or other forms makingpassageways for flltered air are contemplated as within the broad scopeof the invention.

At the upper end of the caddy or receptacle there is provided a faceplate l8 best shown in Fig. 5, which is provided with a large opening Ilto receive the bag H and a smaller opening l5 to receive the end of asuction pipe l6 which extends longitudinally of the caddy. The faceplate is provided with a downwardly extending rim or ring l1 shown indetail in Fig. 18, surrounding the upper edge of the caddy and servingt0 reinforce the same. The face plate may be secured to the caddy in anysuitable manner.

As shown the rim or ring l1 is crimped so as to tightly engage thecorrugated body portion l0 and suitable heat-hardening plastic sealingmaterial may be employed to insure a fluid tight fit between the bodyportion [Il and the rim or ring ll. Such plastic may be of the phenoliccondensation type, or of any of the numercus other types ofheat-hardening plastics.

The filtering elernent Il may be of any desired materiai as ior exampleporous paper, cloth or fine mesh wire or the like. Where paper isemployed the same may be reinforced with a coarser mesh fabric ifdesired although such reinforcement is not considered absolutelyessential. The flltering element is shown as in the form of a bag whichextends nearly to the bottom of the caddy and is provided at its mouthportion with an outwardly extending fiange l8 which fits snugly againstthe face plate [3.

A crown member l 9 best shown in Figs. 3 and 8 is adapted to be fittedover the face plate [3 and when secured in place serves to clamp theflange la et the bag against the face plate [3 with a fiuid tight fit.To insure such a fit a suitable gasket 20 (Fig. 7) is preferablyinterposed between the crown member and the face plate. The crown memberis shown as oval in cross section and as composed of light Weightmaterial.

Such material may be transparent as in the case of Celluloid or moldedcondensation products. Molded fibre or light weight metal such asaluminum may be employed. The fiat lower face portion 21 of the crownpiece is adapted to bear against the gasket 20 or against the flange 18of the bag if the gasket is omitted. The crown piece 15 ported and isprovided with a large central open portion or chamber 22 having an inlet23 which communicates with the longitudinally extending suction pipe l6,and an inlet 24 which communicates with a hollow handle grip member 25which may be provided with any suitable extension members as illustratedin Fig. 10. Th

crown piece also includes a central outlet or nipple 28 which is adaptedto communicate with the interior 01 the fllter bag and projects a shortdistance into the same. If it is desired to have the bag removable withthe crown piece the neck of the bag may be secured to the nipple 26 byany suitable fastcning means.

The crown piece constitutes the casins portion of a valve the mcvablemember of which is the cap shown in Fig. 9 which is provided with atransparent domed top 21 and a circular flange portion 28 secured to thetop et 29. The flange 28 is adapted to fit into circular opening 22 inthe crown piece and is provided with a lateral open ing 30 which isadapted to be placed in communi cation with either of the inlets 23 or24 to permit -dust laden air to flow therethmugh into the cleaner bag,the. other inlet being at the same time eut off by the unperioratedportion of the flange. Thus dust laden air may be drawn into thefilterlng bag either from the pipe l6 extending longitudinally of thereceptacle l0 or through the curved hollow handle 25 according to theposition of the valve cap. It will be noted that the transparent valvecap and the crown members are located close to the hand of the operatorand one of the attractive features of the apparatus is the effectiveview of the dust right by the hand and before the eyes of the operator.The transparent top 21 may be provided with an arrow or other indicator3l which points toward the opening 30 so that the operator may know whenthe valve is properly iocated with reference to the inlets 23, 2l.

Any suitable means may be provided for clamping the crown member la inplace. As

shown a projection 32 on the crown piece flts into an opening 33 in asecuring member 34 carried by the rim I! of the face plate l3, whileanother projection 25 at the rear of the crown member is adapted to beengaged by a clamping ring 36 also carried by the rim of the face plate.

The suction pipes l6 and 25 may be made of any suitable materials,preierably non-conductors oi clectricity, as for example hard fibre ormolded syntheticmaterials, although light weight metals may be emplo edif desired, if care is exercised to proberlyi sulate the electricconduits, etc. Any suitable extension devices may be connected witheither of the sucticn pipes. The handle 25 may be provided with a iatchmember 31 by means of which the cieaner may be supported in uprightposition.

The pipe i6 is shown as extendng lengthwise of the cleaner, in Fig. 1being enclosed within the bag receptacle il), While in Fig. 16 the pipel6 is located externaily of the receptacle [0. The arrangement shown inFig. 1, however, is generally preferred as the cleaner with thelongitudinally extending pipe enclosed presents a neater appearance andis easier to keep clean.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 it will be noted that the pipe [8extends between the face plate l3 at the upper end 01 the caddy orreceptacle and a somewhat similar member 38 at the base of thereceptacle which member la provided with an opening (not shown) toreceive the lower end of the suction pipe I6 and with a much largeropening (not shown) to permit passage of flltered air into the powerplant 39. The rim cf member 38 may be crimped and secured to the caddyin a manner similar to rim Il.

Projecting beyond the lower member 38 is an extension 40 cf the pipe 16,which may be a sep-' arate section et pipe or-.may be integrai with thepipe II. The extension 44 is shown as curved apparatus bains supportedprincipall by the end rollers of the floor tool. The, cleaner may beequipped with suitable head lights 55. 56 one being shown=onjech'side of pipe 40 and being provided with hoods arranged 'to direct the -lightuponthe floor just in front of.th floor tool nozzle. Such lightsfacilitate the"cleaning op- The power plant 39 is detachably secured atthe lower end of the caddy and comprises a suitable electric motor ormotors and fan or tans driven thereby, the details 01 which are notshown. Electric current may be supplied to the motor through a suitablecontrol cord55 which may pass down through the interior of the caddy tothe motor or motors. The power plant casing is shown as provided with apair of like laterally extending outlet pipes 52, 52 for dlscharging airfrom the fan or fans. Either of these pipes is large enough to carry theentire exhaust from the cleaner and either or both may be equipped witha blower extension. Where only one is used the other may be plugged ifdesired without inter-' fering with the free fiow of air.

When it is desired to apply suitable vapors to the atmosphere or to asurface being treated thls may be accomplished by the use of a pad se ofporous material impregnated with a volatile deodorant, germicide,insecticide or performe, the pad belng preierably located between thefilter bag and the power plant as best shown in Fig. 1. The pad itselfmay be protected on opposite sides by screening l and may be providedwith wicking (mot shown) extendinginto a vial 68 shown as carried by thecleaner and which contains the volatile liquid to be vaporized. 4

When it is desired to apply the vapors intensively to a particularlocation an applicator hood 9 such as is shown in Figs. 12 to 15inclusive may be employed. Thls hood may be ofany suitable matenal.preferably rubber, and is arranged t0 fit over the floor tool M with thestub outlet portion 32 of the tool projecting through a central opening56 at the upper rear portion of the hood.

A pair of flexible hollow arms 5l, 5l carried by the hood are adapted tofit over-the lateral exhaust or blower outlets 52. 52 leading from thepower plant. \When the applicator hood is in use the indicator arrow Sion the valve cap 21 at the upper portion of the cleaner is turned in theposition at which air will be drawn into the app'aratus through thehandle rather than through the floor tool. The floor tool during theperiod when the a1plicator is in use serves prim.rily as a wheeledsupport for said hood.

The widely diverse uses and advantages ofthe present apparatus will belargely apparent from the f0regoing description, some of which will nowbe briefly described by way of summary.

When the device is to be used for ordinary floor cleaning purposes theapparatus will be supported at about a degree angle as illustrated inFig. 1; the indicator arrow 3l on the valve cap beingpointed toward theopening 23 communicating with the suction pipe l8 to which the floortool 44 is connected and the ian motor or motors are then started. Theapparatus may be moved to and fro across the floor using the eration'particularly when it is desired to reach dark, out of the way corners.The dst 'Iaden air passes from the floor tool. through thepipe l6 intoand through the filtr bag Il which when infiated contacts the ridges ofthe reoeptacle Il) so that substantially the entire surface of the bagis effectively utilized for filtering purposes. The ltered air passes toand through the power plant and out through the Iateral openings 52, 52.

When the pad 46 is employed and is saturated with .a volatileliquid thevapor passes with the air-from the outlets and into the atmosphere.

Hose pipes or the like (net shown) may be attached to the outlets 52 anddirected to any desired location.

When it is desired to apply the vapor intensively to the floor or othersurface, the floor cleaning tool is first removed and the applicatorhood 49 fitted thereover. 'Ihen the floor tool with the hood mountedthereon is replaced and the arms 5l, 51 of the applicator hood arefitted to the lateral outlets 52, 52,leading from the power plant. Thevalve cap 21 is rotated so that the arrow 3l points toward the handle 25whereupon the motor is started and the apparatus moved to and fro acrossthe floor or other surface.

' The vapors are applied' in concentrated form by means of theapplicator hood.

When it is desired to use the pipe 25 for suction purposes, the cleanermay be inverted and supported by the floor tool as a handle and themouth of the pipe 25 directed to the proper location. The dust laden airwill then be drawn into the dust bag through the suction handle andfilter. If desired the cleaner may be supported in the 45 degree'angleposition'and suitable extension devices attached at the end of the pipe25.

' The cleaner may also be supported in the upright position as showninFig. 10 wherein it occupies a minimum of space. The handle 25 is shownas supported by a flexible bracket 60 extending outwardly from thewall.. To the end of the handle an L-connector member 6! may be securedand a flexible tube or tubes 62 havirig a nozzle 63 may be fitted to theconnecter. The device may be operated in the upright position as astationary cleaner, the conductor 55 being plugged into a socket in thewall and the motor started. The.nozzle 63 on the end of the hose 62 maybe moved to any desired location for cleaning purposes. The hose 52 maybe as long as needed and extra lngthsmay be employed suflicient to reachail parts -of the room or into adjacent rooms without moVing thecleaner. The apparatus may also be'sufipoited at the 45 degree angleresting jointly upon the floor tool rollers 45 and the rolle'rs 64, 64carried by a spring bracket 65 hingedly secured at 66, 66 to pins on therim of the plate 38 at the bottom of the caddy. The bracket may also behingedlythe way.

When the air filter is full of dust the crown suction pipe 25 as ahandle, the weight of the 7 piece I! and handle 25 may be removed asindicated in Fig. 3 whereupon the bag is accessible. The bag may then bemptied or destroyed, depending on the type of material used. Wherecheap porous paper is employed it may'be clesirable to burn the bagtogether with its contents while wher more expensive material is used itmay be preferable to empty the same. If the mouth of the bag be securedto the nipple 26 it may be withdrawn as a unit with the crown piece andhandle. In such case it may b subsequently separated therefrom andeither emptied or replaced by another bag.

The invention has been described in detail for the purpose etillustration but it will be apparent that numerous modifications andvariations may be resorted to without department from the spirit of theinvention as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

1 claim: 1. In a suction cleaner, in combination, a stiff fiuid-tighttubular outer casing provided throughout its interior with fixed closelyspaced projections. and having an inlet for dust laden air, and anoutlet adapted to be connected to a source of suction, a removable airfiltering bag having its open end fitting the air inlet, said bag beingadapted when inflated to contact said projections only, leaving airpassages between the bag and the inner wall of the casing whereby a freeflow of air from the casing inlet throngh the bag and to the casingoutlet is insured at all times.

2. In a suction cleaner, in combination, a fluidtight tubular casinghaving an inlet adapted to be connected to a conduit through which dustladen air may be drawn and an outlet adapted to be connected to a sourceof suction, an air filtering bag having its open-end closely fitting thecasing inlet, and being adapted when expanded to closely fit theinterior of the casing, said casing being provided throughout its entirearea with fixed spaced internal projections, Whereby contact between thebag and the wall of the casing is pvented except at said projections anda free flow of air is insured.

3. In mbination, a stiff non-porous elongated outer casing having aninlet end adapted to be connected with a conduit through which dustladen air may be drawn and having an outlet end adapted to be connectedWith a source of suction, said casing being formed with fixedlongitudinally extending corrugations, an air filtering bag having itsopen end positioned closely adjacent the inner periphery of said inletend and having its side portions contacting the inner wall of saidcasing only at the ridges of the inwardly extending portions of saidcorrugations under the influonce of air pressure, whereby airpassageways are provided between said bag and said inner wall.

4. In combination, a stiff. non-porous, elongated, internallylongitudinally corrugated receptable, au air filtering bag shaped toconform to thegeneral shape of the interior of said recoptacle and of asize to allow its side walls to contact the inwardly extendingcorrugations under the influence of air pressure. said bag beingconnected at it open end to means at one end of said receptacleproviding a suctlon inlet. the other end of said receptaclecommunicating with a source of 'suction, a suction pipe extendinglongitudinally within and adjacent a side wall of said receptacle alongthe entire length of said bag whereby said pipe cooperates with saidinternal corrugations in providlng longitudinally extending air channelswithin said bag, said suctien pipe being at its lower end connected wtha fioor too] and at its upper end connected with means, providingcommunication with said suction inlet.

5. In a suction cleaner, a hollow handle grip portion. an air filter, astifi non-porous receptaule l'or said filter communicating at one endwith a source of suction, a top plate for said re ceptacle having alarge opening to permit insertion of said filter and a smaller openingadjacent the larger openlng, said filter having a fiange.at its mouthportion resting on said top plate, a suction pipe extending lengthwiseof said receptacle with one and passing through the smaller opening, anopen topped valve casing member supported upon said plate, and havingthree other openings. one communicating with the intericr of saidfilter, a second communicating with said longitudinally extending pipe,and a third communicating with a hollow handle grip portion, and arotatable valve cap member fitting the top of said casing, and adaptedto be moved to selectively connect either the longitudinally extendingpipe or the handle grip portion with the interior of the filter.

6. The combination with a suction cleaner comprising an air filteringclament, a non-porous elongated receptacle for said filter, suctionproducing means connected at one end of said receptacle, and having apair of laterally extending blower outlets, a suction pipe adapted to beplaced in communication with said filtering clement, and a floor tool atthe end of said pipe; of a pad impregnated with volatile matter interposed between the fllter and said suction producing means and anapplicator hood for intensively applying the vapors from said pad havinga pair of hollow arms fltting over the blower outlets of said suctionproducing means, said hood being adapted to fit over said floor toolandhaving an opening to permit the suction pip leading to the fluor toolto pass therethrugh.

7. An applicator hood adapted to fit over an elongated floor toc] of asuction cleaner, said hood having an opening t0 fit the outlet pipe ofthe floor toc], and having a pair of hollow arms adapted to fit a pairof blower outlet pipes projelcting laterally from the suction cleanerpower p an DANIEL BENSON REPLOGLE.

